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Bicycling and Going Crazy

I started bicycling a couple of months ago and I love it. I enjoy the challenge of rough terrain and flying down steep hills. However, there are a few drawbacks.

For women, frequent bike riding massively increases your risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). I discovered this fact the hard way. After doing a some internet research, I learned how to lower that risk. Thank goodness for that, because UTIs are annoying and uncomfortable.

Another thing I learned the hard way, saddle sores are actually blisters that develop in the crotch area. Saddle sore sounds rather innocuous and does not adequately portray the amount of pain and discomfort this ailment can cause.

Yesterday, I went to Harvest Nature Preserve for some off-road bike riding. The trail starts out as gravel and then turns into dirt as you enter the woods. Since there is a lake and a few creeks in the area, there are also several wooden bridges.

I was in the woods and going down a hill with a sharp curve at the bottom. Unfortunately, I was going to fast when I tried to turn. My bike started to slide a bit and I slammed into a tree, which caused me to fall off the bike and land partially on a thorn bush and partially in a mud puddle.

I ended up with numerous small cuts on my hands, arms, and legs. I also have several small bruises on my legs and one massive bruise that is 4 inches in diameter.

To top it off, when I got home I discovered a tick on my calf muscle. Mom helped me get the tick off and then we flushed it down the toilet.

All in all, I had a blast yesterday and plan to do it again. I still enjoy bicycling, in spite of my injuries, sores, and infections. Maybe I am crazy, but I think biking is a ton of fun.